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Stade Francais postpone Munster match

Stade Jean-Bouin
Stade Jean-Bouin

Stade Francais have taken the step of postponing their Champions Cup clash with Munster this weekend in the wake of the Paris atrocities last Friday.

At least 129 people died as a result of a series of terror attacks carried out in the French capital last week, including three suicide bombers and a by-stander outside the Stade de France.

While the Paris-based Stade Francais were due to take on Munster at Stade Jean-Bouin, they say they are unwilling to stretch government and security personnel at a time of heightened tensions in the city.

The Top 14 club said in a statement on their website: "In light of recent and tragic events, Stade Francais Paris does not wish to overburden or complicate the work of the government and security forces by organising a sporting event to bring together 15,000 people in Stade Jean-Bouin.

"The club has therefore decided to postpone the meeting of Stade Francais Paris and Munster, initially scheduled to take place this Sunday, November 22, 2015 at 16:15.

"In consultation with the authorities, the EPCR (European Professional Club Rugby) and LNR (Ligue Nationale de Rugby), a postponement date will be announced shortly."

Munster sit top of Pool 4 after the opening fixture, having defeated Benetton Treviso 32-7 last weekend, while Stade Francais were beaten by Leicester on Saturday.

Commenting on the announcement, Munster Rugby CEO Garrett Fitzgerald added: "We fully understand the decision to postpone this weekend's game and would not wish to hinder the work of government and security forces in what has been, and continues to be a very trying time for all in Paris and France. 

"Now our attention must switch to working with Stade Francais and EPCR in rescheduling the game for a time that is amenable to both sides."

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